Unlike front or rear-end crashes, cars have little to no protection on their sides. This often leaves people vulnerable to serious injuries from the direct force of side impact/T-Bone car accidents in Duluth. After this type of crash, seeking legal counsel can help you protect your rights.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that angle collisions, such as T-bone accidents, make up 23.6 percent of all crashes on the road. This type of collision ends up causing fatalities and injuries across the country, and a significant number of accidents in this state are severe side impact crashes.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in this kind of crash, contacting a local car accident attorney should be a priority. At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident and Injury Law, we understand the challenges you are experiencing and are ready to fight for fair compensation while guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Should You Speak Directly with the Insurance Company?
After a side impact collision, we advise caution when speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. Their objective is to reduce their financial responsibility, not to assist you. Insurance adjusters often find ways to reduce or deny compensation by using recorded statements from conversations you have no obligation to participate in.
A common tactic is to make a low settlement offer early in the process. The hope is that you will accept the offer before the full extent of injuries and expenses is known and before you speak to a lawyer. Accepting and signing a settlement means legally giving up the right to pursue additional compensation. Barrios Virguez can manage all communication with insurance companies after a side impact vehicle collision in Duluth.
What if the Other Driver Claims You Were Partly at Fault?
The other driver in a Duluth T-bone car accident may claim you were at fault to lower their own financial responsibility. In Georgia, this is significant due to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, as outlined in Georgia Code § 51-12-33. Under this rule, if found 50 percent or more responsible for the crash, you cannot recover any compensation.
If you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault, the court will reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds you 20 percent responsible, you can collect only 80 percent of the damages. Proving the other driver was at fault and the proper apportionment of damages is critical, and it is something our team at Barrios Virguez can assist with. Collecting evidence, such as police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements, helps us build your case effectively.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Actions following a side impact car crash in Duluth can strongly influence the outcome of a future insurance claim or lawsuit. One mistake to avoid is delaying medical care. The insurance company can use any delay in seeking treatment to argue that your injuries were not serious or related to the accident. Getting a prompt medical evaluation and following up with treatment creates a documented record of the injuries.
Another common mistake is failing to gather evidence at the scene, if it is safe to do so. Documenting the scene with photos and getting contact information for witnesses is important. Additionally, you should never post details about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use your posts to dispute an insurance claim.
Contact a Duluth T-Bone Accident Lawyer To Get Started on Your Claim
Side impact/T-bone car accidents in Duluth can significantly affect your life. If you sustained injuries in a side impact collision, you do not have to manage the complex legal process by yourself.
The Barrios Virguez team, led by Keren Barrios and Jorge Virguez, offers personalized attention, bilingual support, and reputable guidance. Our accident lawyers have secured many settlements for our clients. We are ready to fight for justice and defend what matters. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
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